Most guest bedrooms focus more on function than style. Furnished with cast off items from other rooms in the house, they certainly serve their purpose but are often sterile, unappealing spaces. Not only are these guest rooms unwelcoming; they also don’t fit in with the rest of your beautifully decorated home. Luckily, it’s simple to create a gorgeous guest room if you follow these tips.

Make the Bed the Focal Point of the Room

The bed, the most important piece of furniture in your guest room, deserves to be the center of attention. Forget about using your old mattress in the room. Although the mattress may look perfectly fine, it’s probably not as supportive as it was when you first bought it. If you don’t want your guests to wake up with aching backs, invest in a new mattress and box spring.

Pillowtop or memory foam mattresses are a good choice if you want your guests to rave about the wonderful night’s sleep they enjoyed in your guestroom. Cover the mattress in a high-thread-count mattress pad and equally luxurious linens. A soft comforter or quilt that complements the wall color will make the bed stand out. If you prefer a softer look, opt for all-white linens and bed coverings.

Have you ever had trouble sleeping in a strange bed because the pillow was too hard or soft? Take a hint from hotels and offer a pillow menu. Provide a selection of foam, down and hypoallergenic pillows for your guests’ comfort. If your home tends to be a little chilly at night, stow an extra blanket or two in the closet or in a chest at the foot of the bed.

Every bed needs a nightstand, but traditional pieces aren’t the only option. Add a whimsical touch by screwing furniture legs to an old-fashioned suitcase or attaching a floating shelf to the wall to hold reading material and eyeglasses.

Add a Coffee and Snack Bar

Make your guests’ stays more pleasant by providing a place to make coffee in the room. If your family members or friends are early risers, they may not feel comfortable rummaging around your kitchen for coffee or tea supplies. Place coffee, tea bags, creamers, sweeteners, cups, napkins, spoons and stirrers on top of a low dresser or in a cabinet or armoire. Whether you buy a new dresser or cabinet or repurpose an old one, choose colors and finishes that tie in with the rest of the room.

Keurig pod-style coffeemakers are a good choice because they allow guests to choose the type of coffee they prefer and can also be used to prepare tea.

If you have the space, consider adding a small refrigerator to keep water, soft drinks, cheese and fruit cold. Arrange a selection of individual size snacks and muffins in a decorative basket to ensure that your guests don’t go hungry. Before your guests arrive, send them a quick text or email and ask which types of beverages and snacks they prefer.

Create a Comfortable Sitting Area

Although the bed may be the focal point of the room, your guests probably won’t want to spend all of their time in bed. A sitting area provides a comfortable place to relax. The sitting area doesn’t have to be large. One or two colorful overstuffed chairs, a table to rest a drink or laptop on and a small lamp are all you need.

Consider adding a small television to the sitting area. Every guest may not be interested in watching TV, but it’s a nice option for those who do. You’ll make readers happy by including a small bookcase filled with favorite classics and the latest best sellers. If children will be staying in the room, be sure to include books in the appropriate age range and a puzzle or other small toy.

Anticipate Your Guest’s Needs

The best hosts think of everything their guests may need. When you’re in a rush to pack, it’s easy to forget a toothbrush and other personal hygiene items. Stock toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, shaving cream, a comb and pain relievers in the guest bathroom or in a decorative basket in the guestroom. Don’t forget to add a hair dryer too.

Although you can find sample sizes of products at any store, why skimp? Your guests will appreciate full-size, upscale products much more than cheap drugstore brands.

Provide large, plush towels and washcloths in the guest bathroom. Bright white towels are always in fashion, but bold, bright colors that coordinate with your décor are equally appropriate. If the room doesn’t have an attached bathroom, leave a selection of towels and washcloths in the guest room and replenish them frequently during the stay.

Make it easy for guests to connect to the Internet by leaving a card with your WiFi code on the nightstand. If you expect your guests to venture out on their own, provide written information on your favorite stores, restaurants and bars, along with directions.

Does your current home have room for a guest room? If not, why not consider one of Country Classics’ spacious new homes. Contact us to find out how you can tour a model home.

Sources:

Houzz: Impress Your Guests: 8 Tips for Gracious Guest Rooms

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2522280/list/impress-your-guests-8-tips-for-gracious-guest-rooms

House Beautiful: 8 Ways to Create a Beautiful Guest Room

http://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/interior-designers/tips/a2794/comfortable-guest-room/